skatingforums

Modesty: http://xan-boni.blogspot.com/2013/05/just-how-short-is-short.html
Pretty: http://whymelidwina.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-to-wear-rebuttal.html

What do you think?  :angel: :angel:

For the record, I now wear BLACK! leggings, BLACK! wrap skirt, and another 5 all BLACK! protective items for practice. It makes me feel more professional than dresses or skirts :)

The author of the rebuttal seems to have taken this overly seriously.  Nowhere did Xan ever say that our bodies were gross as the other author seems to imply.  She just pointed out what seems to work for adults.  And actually ENCOURAGED sparkles and dresses on adults (and points out several styles that adults who are uncomfortable might be able to try).  That's it, that's all.

I've seen some adults in crap - ill fitting kid's skating clothes (many dresses are still 'kid shaped' even in a larger size, which is why the 'cover your butt' rule is so very important - double check!), inappropriate clothing like jeans.  And I'm sorry but no adult should wear booty shorts (and some people need to be told that apparently).  And I think THAT'S the clothing she was targeting. 

There's a line between friendly advice designed to help you not embarrass yourself and a diatribe about what adults SHOULDN'T wear and Xan certainly hasn't crossed it.

I dunno, you should wear what you are comfortable in, and what is flattering for your body type, no matter what your age.  I've certainly seen some inappropriate clothing on 8 year olds as often as 28 year olds, and I'm sure everyone else here has too!

I think too many people worry more about what to wear than about what they do on the ice.  If you really need fashion in order to skate, your priorities are misplaced as a skater.  Ditto for critiquing others' apparel.  Just mho and yes, inappropriate clothing exists for all ages, not just in skating.  I used to go into Macy's children's department and ask for "opaque" summer clothing because everything was see-through or looked like exotic dance costumes. 

Quote from: jjane45 on June 04, 2013, 10:04:26 PM
For the record, I now wear BLACK! leggings, BLACK! wrap skirt, and another 5 all BLACK! protective items for practice. It makes me feel more professional than dresses or skirts :)

Ditto.  But I wear black everything all the time.  Keeps my fashion life clean, simple, and never dated.  My test dress is black.  However, for competition or a free skate test, I might go crazy with color.  I'm thinking gray or white.   :-*  I'm also *considering* emerald green but who knows. 

My opinion is go as short as your comfortable and as your body type allows.  If you have a great figure and are completely fit with no jiggly bits, why not go backless?  Cleavage, I think, looks awful in every day life but especially on the ice.  There's too much boob everywhere already.

This kind of got me fired up.  I do agree that adults should have coverage for the butt.  Hence why I do Brad dresses since the skirts are longer.  You should wear something that if you need a bra then the dress allows for it.  Practice stuff, if you would be embarrassed for your grandmother to see you in it, you shouldn't wear it.  Kids can get away with the shorty shorts but not a 35 year old.  You can still wear shorts but not something that you hang out of.  Any cleavage should be covered.  But I am a bit modest when it comes to that stuff. 

I agree with JSM - wear what you are comfortable in - for practice anyway. Everyone has different ideas of what this is so we are never all going to agree on clothing choices all of the time.

It is freezing at my rink so everyone is in multiple layers (almost all year round) so there is nothing on show anyway! I'm in black most often but not always, especially on my top half. A few kids do have booty shorts. Most try them over tights but freeze so switch to wearing them over their skating leggings instead! Too cold! Looks kind of odd though! :P

Competition clothing is different though as there are rules that need to be stuck to unless you want a clothing deduction! Overly revealing outfits can and do get penalised! Costumes are supposed to be appropriate for an athletic competition! ;)

I have, if I must say so, really GREAT legs.  And they're long.  While I don't wear dresses much (except when I go to camp), I may start wearing them again.  Who cares what you wear on the ice as long as nothing inappropriate pops out or flashes when you least expect it.

I've had competition dresses that I made myself, with low backs and a bit of cleavage showing.  Got a better score when I wore those dresses.  I worn all black, all blue and once all purple.  Was I comfortable? Sort of.  In the winter, I wear just about every color in the rainbow if it's clean and warm.  In the summer, I wear a lot of long sleeve tee shirts.  And sports bras because you WILL pop out of a Victoria Secret's bra (been there, done that!)

Semi-modestly pretty.  That's what I'm going for.

My coach came out with an interesting comment on adult competition dresses. You should wear something that you'd be comfortable wearing as a cocktail dress (if the skirt was a little longer). I thought that was a good way of looking at it. If you couldn't wear it in everyday life, why wear it skating. But she will equally turn around and tell people not to wear a dress if they're running the risk of bouncing out of it.

Quote from: fsk8r on June 05, 2013, 01:36:57 PM
You should wear something that you'd be comfortable wearing as a cocktail dress (if the skirt was a little longer). I thought that was a good way of looking at it. If you couldn't wear it in everyday life, why wear it skating.

Brilliant advice.  What a great way to look at it.

Hm, I think I'm on the other side of most of the comments. The first blog post sort of rankled because it seemed to be imposing some invisible set of rules on the adult skater, like there was some disapproving Adult Skating Authority shaking her head at me. Like figure skating needs any more invisible sets of rules to drive us nuts! Frankly I tend to wear what Xan recommends anyway, because black is what I bought, but that post made me want to go out and wear neon colored booty shorts, just because I can. Maybe I will. I may be 33 but I'm not dead yet and I want to look reasonably cute AND sporty. No reason we can't have both.

I think skating dresses are more flattering the SHORTER they are, as long as they cover the panty. The dresses that are "cocktail party appropriate" look long and matronly to me on the ice, unless you're an ice dancer where the norm is to wear longer dresses. (Even then I think the shorter skirts are prettier.) I wore this one longer-skirted dress (which looked like a pretty cocktail dress off ice) and I feel like it added ten years to my age, so I took up the hem several inches.

I think if you're comfortable wearing it, wear it -- for some that's a long skirt and for others it's booty shorts. It's fine to offer guidelines on what to wear, but it's feels so marginalizing to be told I *shouldn't* and *can't* and am not *dignified* wearing something because it's not black, or long enough. I don't care what you wear; why do you care what I wear?

I disagree with a lot of things in the first blog. Why does she say that Chloe Noel's pants are wrong? I think they look very pretty both on kids and adults. And how about over-the-boot tights? Gosh, at the last test session, I was the only one who wasn't wearing those, kids and adults included. I used to think my legs were long enough without them, but then I saw my coach wear them, too, as she partnered her student. That's when I decided to get a pair, and I just did, though I haven't tested or competed in them yet. But I'm looking forward to it, and there comes that blog! Come on!

And speaking about skating dresses, it's not that easy for an adult skater to find a good dress. The choice is quite limited. For example, I'm tall and slender, but I wear XL skating dresses, which makes me self-conscious because outside the rink, I'm size small or medium. But because of my height, I have to buy XL skating dresses: anything else is way too short. Why do they go by those weird sizes? There are adult skaters who aren't particularly skinny, so what do they have to wear, XXL? I haven't seen those bigger sizes anywhere. And then my dress fits me just right, and it goes all the way up to the neck, but in the back it's fastened with a clasp. So before I tested in it, I wore it at a practice session, and, thank God, I had a video taken. That's when I saw that my bra could be seen in the back through the opening beneath the clasp. Gosh! So I don't wear a bra with that dress anymore, but fortunately, I can get away with it. What if someone can't? My point is that instead of criticizing everybody, the author of that blog should have come up with some constructive suggestions.

Quote from: sarahonice on June 05, 2013, 03:38:55 PM
The dresses that are "cocktail party appropriate" look long and matronly to me on the ice, unless you're an ice dancer where the norm is to wear longer dresses. (Even then I think the shorter skirts are prettier.) I wore this one longer-skirted dress (which looked like a pretty cocktail dress off ice) and I feel like it added ten years to my age, so I took up the hem several inches.

I was thinking cocktail appropriate to mean think "classy" or "elegant" rather than "garish" or.  I've seen some pretty tacky or overly frilly skating dresses on adults.  I agree about long skirts.  Unless, that is, you are ice dancing or are really uncomfortable showing your thighs.  I'm small but completely self-conscious which is why I am always asking about the best skating tights for cellulite!  Yet, I wear shorter skirts.

Quote from: Icicle on June 05, 2013, 05:38:19 PM
Why do they go by those weird sizes? There are adult skaters who aren't particularly skinny, so what do they have to wear, XXL?

Same here!  My girth is 61" (large) but my bust-waist-hip is a Small.  I think I'm going to have to buy large and take it in everywhere else.  Annoying.
 

I want to wear something other than slacks on ice, but to be frank, I have calves like tree stumps, and thighs like easter hams. I've been experimenting with wearing running tights with a dance length sports skirt pulled over it.  I've worn it around town a couple of times, and got no comments. I may try it at the rink next.

Quote from: Icicle on June 05, 2013, 05:38:19 PM

And speaking about skating dresses, it's not that easy for an adult skater to find a good dress. The choice is quite limited. For example, I'm tall and slender, but I wear XL skating dresses, which makes me self-conscious because outside the rink, I'm size small or medium. But because of my height, I have to buy XL skating dresses: anything else is way too short. Why do they go by those weird sizes? There are adult skaters who aren't particularly skinny, so what do they have to wear, XXL? I haven't seen those bigger sizes anywhere. And then my dress fits me just right, and it goes all the way up to the neck, but in the back it's fastened with a clasp. So before I tested in it, I wore it at a practice session, and, thank God, I had a video taken. That's when I saw that my bra could be seen in the back through the opening beneath the clasp. Gosh! So I don't wear a bra with that dress anymore, but fortunately, I can get away with it. What if someone can't? My point is that instead of criticizing everybody, the author of that blog should have come up with some constructive suggestions.

I had a problem with that years ago - I am a tall woman, normal sized for a woman and have a long waist.  I could never find an off-the-rack skating dress or leotard to fit me - very frustrating.  I wrote a letter to one of the companies asking why they didn't make anything for normal-size people and described my dimensions and weight, etc., in detail.  I got a copy of their catalogue back from them with all of the XL and XXL dresses and leotards circled.  They also called them "Queen" size which made me wonder why they didn't call the petit sizes "midget" because I found "Queen size" completely offensive...

Now I just wear a skirt over some tights but mostly wear pants... which I finally found some appropriate for skating that didn't cost an arm and a leg, look good and actually are attractive!

 (i'm 44, 5'5" and 150 pounds ...should be 135) I am not too fat anywhere, but my mid section.   :-(

What works for me is . . . "normal length" (i.e. short), straight skirts make into a stretch velvet dress.

What doesn't work is . . . Shiny material, clingy material.

Pants are ok looking on me, but I am scared of getting my blade caught when jumping.  I did this a few times, and had the split second of shear terror.  But, I still wear some pants occassionally.

So, I say go both modest & pretty.

.....

I don't fit anything off the rack.  My bust and hip measurements match one size, but my waist is two to three sizes bigger.  I have made most of my dresses and now have someone make them for me.  She is faster and better than me.

I wear dresses almost every time I am on ice.  The last time I wore pants (in Dec '11) everybody did a double take--most of them had never seen me in pants.  I just feel like a skater in a dress. And I wear in the boot tights.  One pair footed, the other footless. It's just what works for me.

 I have a horrific time finding regular clothes, and wearing skating attire makes me feel ten times more self conscious. I am 15lbs overweight (all around the tummy section), and somewhat large busted with narrow shoulders & back, so both well-fitting  pants and tops are impossible to find.  I usually wear black or gray pants and  loose hip-covering-length long-sleeved tee-shirts (usually a LS under a SS) of various colors. It's impossible for someone without rock hard muscles and zero body fat to wear clingy clothes without panty lines showing, and I absolutely detest panty lines - I am constantly checking to make sure I don't have any showing.

I haven't been wearing any skating skirts/dresses since coming back to skating. I have researched endlessly and been unable to find any pre-made dress/skirt outfit that I think would not look horrible on my out of shape body.  Same thing with patterns for sewing - nothing. I think the only way I will get something I am comfortable with, is to design my own stuff (wouldn't be the first time, but it's been a long time).   

When saying cocktail dress appropriate my coach's comment was that the top half must be a suitable cocktail dress, she wasn't referring to skirt length. She actually said that you'd wear it as a cocktail dress IF the skirt was longer.
The idea being that you need to be comfortable wearing the dress. If you like lots of crystals then wear lots of crystals, if you're happier with understated, then wear understated. But the most important bit about your competition dress is to be comfortable in it.

I never wear skirts or dresses (apart from my wedding dress). Only ever wear trousers or jeans. On the ice I wear warm yoga pants from Costco. They are black. I too am sick of black. I also have some super special blue magic pants from Se Ku, with the padding. I always wear brightly coloured tops and scarves. Am thinking about getting coloured laces or boot covers, except I don't have the skating skills or youth to carry that off  :nvm:

I wore a skirt on ice for the Christmas show and found it very breezy and was terrified I'd fall as I didn't want ANYONE seeing my well covered bits (undies, tights, leotard over the top). Happily I didn't tumble.

I found Xan's post useful but conservative. StLidwina was basically saying be comfortable and colourful. Definitely agree with that!

I have Mondor 2978 in the black/white plaid and absolutely love it.   Anything in that straight skirt looks good. 
But, I have an older version of Mondor 2970 (double skirt with chiffon under it), and it makes my look super hips.

I have Mondor skating skirt 621 and it looks great with a plain tshirt and skating jacket.  Now, I want Mondor 2804's skating skirt in velvet.

With the exception of the two dresses I brought from the Consignment Shop in Lake Placid, all of  my competition dresses have come from EBay sites in China.  I am clinically obese according to the weight charts (and a note written in my medical record by a technician giving me an EKG), not really tall (5'6 1/4") with a substantial tummy and chest.  The dresses I order from China are ALL XL.  Sometimes they fit, sometimes they don't; it depends on where my weight is that particular day.

I still say where what you want.  Everyone should be focused on their skating and not what someone else is wearing.

For those of you looking for competition dresses from China on EBay, put into the search "Baton Twirling Dresses", I kid you not.

I buy my competition dresses on Ebay, too. I'm okay with them. Of course, I wish I were petite so I could try on all those beautiful girls' dresses. Unfortunately, it's impossible.

I just returned a dress I bought on eBay from China.  I gave them my measurements and seemed to fit the medium chart almost perfectly (the waist was 1-3" too big).  When I got it, it was way too short in the girth.  Wedgie!  The panties didn't completely cover my bottom, of which I have little, and the waist was huge.  Epic fail.  It was cheaper to return it and get some money back than to lose all of it.  Never again.

1. OTB tights are not ugly for all skaters. For some skaters they are (like Akiko Suzuki). For some skaters they aren't (Zijun Li, Kim Yuna, Mao Asada). It's just a matter of how well you wear something.

2. I like wearing black for skating. It puts me in the right frame on mind. I'd love to get Chloe Noel (as they seem to be the proper uniform in our rink), but those are too expensive for me. Plus, they don't have pockets, which I need. So I wear sweatpants instead. Cheaper and more practical.

3. Skating dresses -- it depends on the dress and the person. You can show some cleavage and still look classy and dignified. It's not about age too -- two women with the same age may wear the same dress differently.

I actually found Xan's post almost imposing. It's like saying "adults should wear <insert specific rules here>". In my opinion, one should wear whatever is comfortable and appropriate for your age and body type.

Quote from: fsk8r on June 06, 2013, 01:07:26 AM
When saying cocktail dress appropriate my coach's comment was that the top half must be a suitable cocktail dress, she wasn't referring to skirt length. She actually said that you'd wear it as a cocktail dress IF the skirt was longer.
The idea being that you need to be comfortable wearing the dress. If you like lots of crystals then wear lots of crystals, if you're happier with understated, then wear understated. But the most important bit about your competition dress is to be comfortable in it.

I agree that being comfortable is key. On the other hand, I think it's perfectly appropriate to wear a figure skating dress that you'd never wear off ice, even with a longer skirt. Mine has illusion netting for a back, which would look terrible in street clothes. Dancers, skaters, gymnasts -- all train and compete in clothing that wouldn't be worn outside of it. For instance, I'm happy wearing glitter and crystals on ice, but there's no way on earth I'm taking a glue gun to a party dress.

My mother used to say :"Wear what you like, nobody will take it off of you".
I think people should wear whatever makes them comfortable in whatever colors they want (skating or otherwise). 

It is a bit strange to think that someone on the ice is taking notice of what I wear and judging me for it (especially an older adult who should know better!)

having been official timekeeper at a competition recently, the only comments I heard the judges make about dresses was: there's a lot of colour X this season. No comment on suitability or otherwise.
When it came to the artistic classes, the judges used the warmup to play guess the music, there was never any real comments about that a dress being inappropriate.
Having said that, at a solo dance competition for the kids, a feedback list came out from the judges and after fussing about step X in dance Y being on an outside edge and not whether the kids were skating, there was then a list of comments regarding costumes. One was reminding them that in dance the lady must wear a skirt (and a belt doesn't count), and another was about nude illusion not counting for coverage of flesh and so too much would be considered excessive nudity. From what I've heard the dress that they were commenting on was particularly risqué. Ironically it was being worn by a younger teen.

I've seen one free skater in competition who definitely got a costume violation deduction. The costume looked from afar like there were just a few strips of colour covering her chest and a skirt. The rest was flesh coloured fabric. The majority of the judges called a costume violation so it was awarded.

Someone else at the same competition (but in a diferent event) got a costume malfunction deduction - I think she was the skater who moulted a few very brighly coloured feathers from her dress mid skate! :o At least they were easy for the flowergirls to spot to clean up afterwards... :P

I'm going to go out on a limb . . . all this talk about appropriate attire for women . .  .what about the guys? What is appropriate for them, and will attract more boys to the sport.  Personally, i thought Mr. Scott Hamilton in the 80 Olympics was wonderful in a simple, clean line outfit.  I do not like seeing men with rhinestones, feathers, or nude fabric inserts.  Yes, I have plenty of "gay" friends and a gay relative who is my best buddy. But, honestly, where is the line on men's clothes on ice?

As an adult who came back to the sport in her late teens, I'd say adults ought to wear whatever they want and feel comfortable wearing. For some it may be looser pants, others leggings, others skirts, and others yet dresses. Of course, for testing and competing purposes, a dress is preferable (says the girl who tested elements and skills in a skirt + form-fitting sweater until the higher levels). At that point, my opinion is to wear something age- and form-appropriate, although that holds for skaters of any age. If an adult is uncomfortable in a dress, then pants are fine. That's the joy of being an adult - we get a few more allowances than the children ;)

However, a guide can be helpful, because some adults may not feel comfortable in short skirts, and it's a good idea to let potential newcomers know that that attire isn't a necessity. I started off in simple pants, and was fine with them until I caught my blade in my pant leg - I switched to a plain black skirt shortly thereafter. The reason for black wasn't that I wanted to be plain; I have many coloured sweaters and black matches pretty much anything :) In that sense, I don't believe in imposing any kind of 'uniform' on any skater, adult or child. I do however believe that new skaters showing up for their first lesson in the whole attire (fancy sparkly dress, expensive brand sweater, expensive brand bag, etc.) is a little excessive; at the earlier levels, that's money better spent on lessons and ice-time, but I won't judge people for it, only wish they hadn't spent so much on things if the skater quits after a season.

Way back in the early '80s when I started skating, there was a "uniform" of sorts for club skaters:  skirt, leggings, sweater and gloves, preferably all matching.  The boys wore black pants and black sweaters.  The In brands were Inga and Polar Sport and the traditional practise colors were black and navy.  Even though I was 28, I was told that I had to wear a skirt to skate on club ice.  The coaches required it so they could see the body lines.  Period.  No options.  I was skinny then so fitting wasn't a problem, until it came to skating dresses.  My torso is too long for even the XL dresses.  (I have the same problem with bathing suits so it wasn't really a shock.)  But I didn't compete much and show costumes could be made to fit so it wasn't an issue.  That "uniform" has gone the way of the dinosaurs, but I have to admit that sometimes I wish it would come back.  There was something special about putting on those special clothes and a kind of status that said "we are here to skate."  The clothes set the tone of the club sessions.

Now my rinks are all really cold and I'm a lot larger than I was back then.  I wear running pants over Underarmor leggings, a turtleneck and one usually black sweatshirt with my club fleece (also black) for practices and have my competition dresses custom made so that there's nothing gapping or pulling or exposed. 

Do I envy the smaller, slimmer, prettier women in the skimpy dresses and tight pants?  Sometimes, yes.  But I know what I'm comfortable in and I know what looks good on my aging body.  And then I see the gooseflesh on bare arms and the red mottled skin in the cold rink and decide that I'm happy with sleeves.  :)

I gave up and now use my gym clothes. (It is exercise, after all!) I am partial to exercise skorts over my footed tights. :D People say they look cute.

As for the people who care more about looks than practicing... oh yes, I've seen those. This girl was really snooty to me with her fancy equipment, but it was clear she didn't practice very much.  88)

I always get annoyed when I read these things that say "adults shouldn't wear booty shorts". Well fine. Come skate at my rink in the middle of a stinking hot Australian summer when it's almost as warm inside as outside and you're working on your skating hard. Then tell me I shouldn't wear booty shorts. They're almost uniform at our rink in summer - for all ages and levels.

Quote from: karne on June 12, 2013, 10:20:55 PM
I always get annoyed when I read these things that say "adults shouldn't wear booty shorts". Well fine. Come skate at my rink in the middle of a stinking hot Australian summer when it's almost as warm inside as outside and you're working on your skating hard. Then tell me I shouldn't wear booty shorts. They're almost uniform at our rink in summer - for all ages and levels.

Just curious, what about the guys?

Quote from: jjane45 on June 12, 2013, 11:10:42 PM
Just curious, what about the guys?

Shoot me for being sexist, but if a guy's got doubles, I'm all for him in booty shorts.

Really, though I wish

I wear some random Adidas/Nike/unknown brand workout pants I bought at a thrift store for $2-5 per pair, and whatever t-shirt I feel like. I also have some random Nike jacket from the 90s that's a windbreaker so I use it as skating jacket when I need a jacket. It doesn't matter really what I wear as all the girls there my age I think have boyfriends/don't like me anyway. I should comb my hair before I go there sometimes, though, as usually I just towel it somewhat after getting out of the shower and come in with half wet/spiky uncombed hair that looks completely horrible after getting off the ice as the wind messes it up even more. Also I don't really like my parachutey workout pants I wear sometimes. Too ruffly sounding. I like the looser spandexish ones, though.

I have no idea what I'll wear whenever I become a non-fake figure skater and test. Someone told me my black jeans would be OK if I went with a marker and colored over the rivets. I'll probably wear Dockers and a collared shirt of some kind.

One other guy I know (vaguely) who's my age and skates usually wears jeans or workout pants, too. He's about my age and can do triples. Also unlike all the girls he just uses a backpack to carry his skates. No fancy Zucca bags or whatever. 

Quote from: fsk8r on June 06, 2013, 01:07:26 AM
When saying cocktail dress appropriate my coach's comment was that the top half must be a suitable cocktail dress, she wasn't referring to skirt length. She actually said that you'd wear it as a cocktail dress IF the skirt was longer.

I'd never wear a cocktail dress that was form fitting around my stomach! I've never seen a skating dress that wasn't.

However, I think my freestyle dress is okay for me. I wouldn't be embarrassed for my coworkers to see me in it, for instance.

Quote from: Skittl1321 on June 16, 2013, 05:47:43 PM
I'd never wear a cocktail dress that was form fitting around my stomach! I've never seen a skating dress that wasn't.

However, I think my freestyle dress is okay for me. I wouldn't be embarrassed for my coworkers to see me in it, for instance.

I know a kid who skated in a dress which had an empire line skirt. It needed the leotard to cover her entire body as the skirt rose so high up when she jumped. So other than the leotard, the skirt portion of the dress wasn't form fitting across her stomach (not that she was worrying about that sort of thing!).

Quote from: jjane45 on June 12, 2013, 11:10:42 PM
Just curious, what about the guys?

Well, I can count on one hand the number of guys at my rink...they prefer pants anyway. Pre-teen boys.

Quote from: fsk8r on June 17, 2013, 12:35:18 AM
I know a kid who skated in a dress which had an empire line skirt. It needed the leotard to cover her entire body as the skirt rose so high up when she jumped. So other than the leotard, the skirt portion of the dress wasn't form fitting across her stomach (not that she was worrying about that sort of thing!).

Empire waists are for children and waifs (I am very jealous of adults who can pull this off). I prefer not to look pregnant when I skate (or when I attend cocktail parties)...

So yes, while the look is available, it would look -worse- on me.

Perhaps I shouldn't have said never in my original post.  Rather, the vast majority of skating dresses are form fitting on the waist.  They are appropriate for what they are made for, skating: I shouldn't think anyone would wear one to a cocktail party, regardless of skirt length.

Quote from: Icicle on June 05, 2013, 05:38:19 PM
And speaking about skating dresses, it's not that easy for an adult skater to find a good dress. The choice is quite limited. For example, I'm tall and slender, but I wear XL skating dresses, which makes me self-conscious because outside the rink, I'm size small or medium. But because of my height, I have to buy XL skating dresses: anything else is way too short. Why do they go by those weird sizes? There are adult skaters who aren't particularly skinny, so what do they have to wear, XXL?

Why would you be so self-conscious about the size--especially if you're the only one who sees the tag? If you're a size small/medium in ready-to-wear clothes, then you're obviously a slender person. I'm not ashamed of my size, and I'm a 14 which would probably make me a 5XL in skating dresses (which I doubt even exists). People put too much emphasis on vanity sizng ... just wear what fits!

When my time comes to compete, I'm going to make my own dress. Luckily I learned to sew and own a great sewing machine, so my size won't be an issue. And as far as this thread is concerned, I'm all about the "pretty." I'm going to wear what I want to wear, and that won't be black! ;)

Good for you!!!  I have a beautiful magenta colored dress with pink underskirt, with a crap-ton of bling.   :love:

For practicing and lessons what I wear has changed over time.  I started out in jean and a t-shirt.  The jeans had some spandex in them and worked pretty well  for Adult 1 & 2.  As I moved into more advanced classes, the knees were stretching out too much and the jeans just felt uncomfortable.  Then I tried some basic Wal-mart workout pants but they did not work well at all because they were lined halfway down which ripped and felt weird.  I then found a pair of yoga type pants and love them but I've been wearing them about a year and a half.  I also have a pair of leggings but feel more self-conscious in those.  Maybe because the first time I wore them was on a public skate that is usually pretty empty but on that particular day had a large group of college students including a student I had in class that semester. 

I haven't competed but I've done a couple of programs in our ice shows.  I really started thinking about this topic before the last one.  I was doing a program with my daughter.  We wanted something that would coordinate and kind of have a circus look.  We went with short skate skirts in neon colors and then had ordered leotards which looked all wrong so switched to basic v-neck tee shirts in neon colors.  Part of my issue was that there weren't a lot of options in Adult XL that we both liked and the other issue is that the longer the skirt, it seems like the higher the price.  I'd rather spend my money on a lesson or ice time right now.   

But, this really pushed me-the skirt was much shorter than I would usually wear, I do usually wear a lot of black, etc.  Would I look like I raided my daughter's closet?  Would people think the skirt was too short?  Showed too much leg?  Then I wondered why I never ask myself these questions before going to a swimming pool or waterpark.   I thought about how DD and I would always remember working on this together.   And I went for the short skirt and didn't give another thought to it. 

Quote from: karne on June 12, 2013, 10:20:55 PM
I always get annoyed when I read these things that say "adults shouldn't wear booty shorts". Well fine. Come skate at my rink in the middle of a stinking hot Australian summer when it's almost as warm inside as outside and you're working on your skating hard. Then tell me I shouldn't wear booty shorts. They're almost uniform at our rink in summer - for all ages and levels.

Not all adults look bad in booty shorts either.  I do, and I'm very aware that I do, so I wouldn't wear them, but there are quite a few adult skaters at my rink who wear them and IMO it's just fine - I'm not bothered by it at all, because they're not making ME wear them :)  The itty bitty running shorts (the kind with a liner) over skating tights has been a popular look at my rink for a while... I've considered those but I think they make my rear end look larger than it already is.  They do look comfortable though.

It's taken me a long time to go from wearing primarily yoga/jazz style pants (fitted through the knee, loose below) to leggings, even though fundamentally they're not that different... but I never felt comfortable in leggings and to be honest, if it weren't for a bad fall a while back that finally convinced me not to wear loose pants except for teaching LTS (dress code for that says no tight pants - so I wear socker/track pants) I'd probably still be wearing them.

As long as the booty shorts fit and aren't the three-sizes-too-small look that a few of the teenagers showed up with a while back, I have no problem with them or anyone who wears them.  Although my rink is actually too cold for minimalist workout wear anyway, so it's usually pretty obvious who's there to skate and who's there to impress the college hockey guys who come on after us.

I like color and even though my practise gear is black and functional rather than stylish,  my competition dresses are all colorful and blinged: one purple, one turquoise and one royal blue.  I think I've only had one black dress way back when I was skinny and even that one had scads of fuschia lace trim. 

Two things I will never do though:  sleeveless and backless.  I need too much foundation to do backless and my arms are not and never will be toned enough for sleevelss.  Plus I hate being cold - and I am always cold when I compete, no matter what everyone says about adrenaline and exercise keeping you warm.  The only time I'm not cold on the ice is during a hot flash and I can't really time those for when I might need one.  :)

Quote from: Traceekins on June 19, 2013, 01:07:45 AM
Why would you be so self-conscious about the size--especially if you're the only one who sees the tag? If you're a size small/medium in ready-to-wear clothes, then you're obviously a slender person. I'm not ashamed of my size, and I'm a 14 which would probably make me a 5XL in skating dresses (which I doubt even exists). People put too much emphasis on vanity sizng ... just wear what fits!

When my time comes to compete, I'm going to make my own dress. Luckily I learned to sew and own a great sewing machine, so my size won't be an issue. And as far as this thread is concerned, I'm all about the "pretty." I'm going to wear what I want to wear, and that won't be black! ;)

It's not that I'm overly concerned about the nominal size, I'm just having hard time finding skating dresses. If you look at dress vendors at competitions, there are a lot of nice clothes for kids, but not many in adult sizes. And if you do see dresses for adults, most of them only go up to the large size. Because I need XL, I'm out of luck. And obviously, someone who wears size large in everyday life would need an XXL skating dress, and I don't think those even exist. Well, maybe, they do, but where are they? But if you watch Adult National videos, you will see a lot of gorgeous dresses. Perhaps, those ladies made them themselves. I wish I could sew, but unfortunately, I'm horrible at it.

Quote from: Icicle on June 20, 2013, 05:21:33 PMBecause I need XL, I'm out of luck. And obviously, someone who wears size large in everyday life would need an XXL skating dress, and I don't think those even exist. Well, maybe, they do, but where are they? But if you watch Adult National videos, you will see a lot of gorgeous dresses. Perhaps, those ladies made them themselves. I wish I could sew, but unfortunately, I'm horrible at it.

You might check out http://thelineupstore.com/Shop-Online/Skating :)

They do a lot of synchro dresses, but an added benefit of that is that their dresses also tend to have longer skirts than most skating dresses.. more like a dance length skirt, which is easier to alter if it's too long (you can even ask the line up to make the skirt shorter if you want).  Many of the less expensive "practice" dresses are suitable for competition, and you can choose the colors/fabrics for all of them.  I had a dress made by them earlier this year and I like it a lot.. even though I chickened out of wearing it for my silver moves (I wore leggings).  Price was very reasonable IMO for the quality.  They can fit for custom measurements too.

Yes... I think booty shorts over skating tights are fine. People are completely covered up. However, I question the decision to wear them without the tights. If they come off the ice with a nasty scrape, I wouldn't be surprised.

A lot of the dresses you see at Adult Nationals - especially those on non-petite bodies are custom made.  Mine are because even when I was skin-and-bones, I am too long-waisted for stock dresses.  Now that I'm "well-fleshed" and well into the upper age levels, I have no choice but to go to a dressmaker. 

Also keep in mind that the dresses you see at Adult Nationals are not typical of the ones you'll see on skaters at smaller, local competitions at the lower levels.  Adult Nationals is A Big Deal for American adult skaters;  people tend to go all-out there.   But there are a lot of people who don't go to Adult Nationals and who still compete quite happily in other events where the dress code is a little less Oscar Runway.

Was at the rink recently and saw the beginning of a test session for skaters with more advanced skills. Interestingly a number were in plain leggings and longsleeved tops. A few were in pretty dresses, but not over the top with decoration/sequins.

I overheard one skater saying that she had few events to wear her dress so it was certainly ON tonight.  :D

Here I am in my new dress from Ebay. It's an Adult Large and fits me fine.  It might be a tad long in the torso, and if I lose my hoped for 10 pounds, it might have to be altered down.

I am nervous just to post a picture, much less go out there on the ice in it!   When we were young, we didn't worry about the dress. But, now that I'm "old" in my 40's, choosing a dress is harder then the program.

Quote from: Neverdull44 on June 25, 2013, 06:24:09 PM
Here I am in my new dress from Ebay.

Excellent!  I'm so glad it fits.  Looks beautiful!  How do you like the workmanship?

Quote from: Neverdull44 on June 25, 2013, 06:24:09 PM
I am nervous just to post a picture, much less go out there on the ice in it!   

You look gorgeous, what are you talking about!

you look splendid!

At least your sports wear has the potential to make you look really pretty.
Try a Gi...there is just no way you ever look shapely in those baggy Asian pajamas!  ;D

Go out there and knock'em dead!

Neverdull, that dress looks wonderful on you!  It's so pretty - love the cut of the skirt and the way the embellishments enhance the dress.  You also look so happy - just get on the ice and keep that smile and don't worry what anyone else thinks - and anyway, most likely they'll be thinking how great you look.

Quote from: accordion on June 23, 2013, 06:17:28 AM
Was at the rink recently and saw the beginning of a test session for skaters with more advanced skills. Interestingly a number were in plain leggings and longsleeved tops. A few were in pretty dresses, but not over the top with decoration/sequins.

Here, moves are typically dressed down, freeskate and dance is dressed up.  Also, the younger the skater though, the more likely they are to wear a dress for a moves test.  That's part of why I didn't wear mine for my test - the skaters testing Senior, Novice, and Intermediate before me were all wearing leggings except for one girl who was maybe 11 or 12.  I decided I'd be more comfortable (and confident!) wearing what I wear all the time for practice.

Quote from: sarahspins on June 26, 2013, 12:09:12 AM
Here, moves are typically dressed down, freeskate and dance is dressed up. 

ditto this. dance is tricky though, I wear plain black but I could totally see spicier dresses for higher level dances especially tango.

So what are guys supposed to wear for tests or competitions? I'm assuming sweatpants and the tshirt you were wearing the day before with hot sauce stains on it is a no go, right? But seriously, what is proper to wear for a guy? Anything we can do to be particularly cool looking?

Trying to find the name of him now, but he was competing at this year's US Nationals, and I think he wore like a normal looking sweater. I liked his program a lot. He didn't place too well as he had no quad, but he imo was the best skater out there. Anyone remember this guy?

And wow, I spent a ton of time looking for this guy and came across an FSUniverse thread. Wow. Certainly a nice forum there...88) "WTF SHE PLACED 6TH AT NATIONALS AND HAS LIKE 23% BODYFAT SHE'S FAT AND NEVER GONNA DO ANYTHING WITH HER LIFE, HAHAHA, SHE SHOULD HANG IT UP AND QUIT RIGHT NOW." 

So the moral today is I now know whatever I wear some 40 year old lady doesn't actually skate on an internet forum will hate it. Nice.

I rather liked Dmitri Soloviev's casual-looking cable knit sweater this year! http://binaryapi.ap.org/56b9b01e84774b67999e324e648dbd6c/512x.jpg But that's only going to work for a certainly kind of dance and in close up photos, I think it's actually some kind of lightweight wicking yarn, rather than a real woolly jumper.

For practice I mostly wear running/cycling kit, which gives me plenty of bright colours. I assume kids or adults in full-on sparkly frocks on patch are having a pre-event dress rehearsal and it's always lovely to see them (but if they just like wearing sequins at 6am then more power to them!)

There are thousands of posters at FSU and comments like that one are not common, but yes, the climate is different there.  Comments on weight are discouraged.  But I don't think adult skaters have anything to worry about; adult skating is barely a blip on FSU's radar. 

As for what guys wear to test, what I've seen is mostly black dress or skating pants and a trim-fitting sweater or turtleneck.  No sweat pants, no jeans. 

I thinkit's important to remember that the judges need to be able to see body line and position and that whatever you wear should not be a distraction or a hazard. 

Amen, Blue Moon.

I really hate it when people pick on the weight of figure skaters, so I will not be going to that forum.  So few young skaters are ever going to make regionals or nationals.  That's not and shouldn't be the point of figure skating.  My rink has a well known male champion who coaches.  I've watched him skate, and I swear he has 'super fast twitch' muscles like a sprinter.  I really think it takes spring and fast twitch muscles to make it to that level.  For the rest, what they learn in skating is going to give them a great education; preparation, failure, success, acceptance of your own limits.  There are millions of men who golf, and a few Tiger Woods.  That's how skating is.

When I was a kid, I was the skinniest kid in high school.  I always weighed my grade; 40 pounds in 4th grade, 50's in 5th grade . . . up to the 10th grade when I stopped any and all weight gain for many years.  I was put in a Children's Hospital when I was in the 3rd grade, as I had stopped growing.  I was normal, just super skinny.  Whatever I wore, literrally hung on me.   To put it bluntly, I looked like a skating preying mantis.  And, I could eat everything and anything not gain weight.   Now, I do watch what I eat.  I focus on healthy and foods I like.  Now, I have to up my exercise to at least an hour of skating and focus on 1500 calories a day to lose weight.  I think we are programmed to be a certain weight, especially if we are already figure skating which burns alot of calories.

Men skating.  I absolutely would rather watch male skaters.  They JUMP so much higher and farther, I think it would be amazing to fly like them.  Wear slacks and a  button down shirt, that allows movement, I guess? 

Men's test clothes.

I was at a public session back in 2007 or 8 and there was an african american man in figure skates, skating with a young boy (his son I assume). The man was wearing loose black slacks, and a royal blue sweater over a white collared  shirt. Compared to everyone else on the ice in sweats or shorts and cheap Ts, he looked classy and elegant. Of all the thousands of people on public, he's the only one I remember looking like he was ready to test.

So, want to look nice in a test? I don't think you can go wrong with black slacks of a appropriate stretchiness, and a royal blue sweater or some royal blue pullover thats close to form fitting. Black shirt, black pants, that's dull. Blue shirt, black pants enough color to be appealing without so much color to be WTF?

Royal blue looks good on almost everyone of every shade of skin or ethnicity.  So can't go wrong.

Also, don't forget to ask a male coach or skater at the rink if dance belts are necessary. 

It's never wrong to have your dress reflect the respect you (ought to) have for the judges.

In this case of course also formfitting enough to show off your moves.
(I don't think it necessarily has to be navy, but a nice conservative color, and given that ice is generally bright, something darker to contrast)

@Supra I have ventured into FSU...I found myself really blessed and incredibly lucky that I found this forum first!
You guys are incredibly nice and endure my inaptness!